Aerosol generating device and method for controlling same

ABSTRACT

An aerosol generating device includes: a case into which a cigarette is to be inserted; a cap detachably coupled to a top portion of the case; a cover configured to slide on a top surface of the cap so as to open or close a cigarette insertion hole; a first sensor configured to sense whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed; and a controller configured to determine whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal sensed by the first sensor and set an operational mode of the aerosol generating device as an ON mode or an OFF mode based on a result of the determining.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/639,021, filed on Feb. 13, 2020, which is the National Stage filingunder 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2018/012810,filed on Oct. 26, 2018, which claims the benefit of earlier filing dateand right of priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2017-0142578,filed Oct. 30, 2017 and 10-2018-0051467, filed on May 3, 2018, thecontents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and amethod of controlling the aerosol generating device, and moreparticularly, to an aerosol generating device for generating aerosolhaving a rich flavor by passing the aerosol generated by a vaporizerthrough a cigarette, and a method of controlling the aerosol generatingdevice.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, demand for an aerosol generating device capable of generatingaerosol via a noncombustible method has increased. As a result, studiesabout a noncombustible aerosol generating device that have been activelyconducted.

General aerosol generating devices are portable devices which havesimilar sizes to general cigarettes and include buttons for receiving auser's input. Operations of the aerosol generating devices may becontrolled based on the user's input received via the buttons includedin the aerosol generating devices. In addition, when a user carries theaerosol generating device in a bag or a pocket, a button on the aerosolgenerating device may be wrongly pressed, and thus, unintentionaloperations of the aerosol generating device may be performed. Forexample, even when a user is not smoking, when the button is wronglypressed, a heating operation of the aerosol generating device may beperformed, thereby causing a safety problem.

Also, even when a user is not smoking, a general aerosol generatingdevice maintains electrical connection between a battery and heatersincluded in the aerosol generating device and stands by for signals tobe received from a button or sensors included in the aerosol generatingdevice. Thus, unnecessary power consumption may occur.

Therefore, a method of controlling an aerosol generating device andpreventing the occurrence of a safety problem and unnecessary powerconsumption during a user's use of the aerosol generating device isrequired.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Solution to Problem

Provided are an aerosol generating device and a method of controllingthe same, according to various exemplary embodiments. Technicalobjectives of the present disclosure are not limited to the describedtechnical objectives and other technical objectives may be derived fromthe exemplary embodiments to be described hereinafter. According to anaspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes:a case into which a cigarette is inserted; a cap coupled to a topportion of the case to be detachable from the case; a cover configuredto perform sliding movement along a top surface of the cap so as to openor close a cigarette insertion hole; a first sensor configured to sensewhether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed; and a controllerconfigured to determine whether the cigarette insertion hole is open orclosed based on a signal sensed by the first sensor and set anoperational mode of the aerosol generating device as an ON mode or anOFF mode based on a result of the determining.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device and amethod of controlling the same are provided. An aerosol generatingdevice includes: a case into which a cigarette is inserted; a capdetachably coupled to a top portion of the case; a cover configured toslide on a top surface of the cap so as to open or close a cigaretteinsertion hole; a first sensor configured to sense whether the cigaretteinsertion hole is open or closed; and a controller, wherein thecontroller is configured to determine whether the cigarette insertionhole is open or closed based on a signal sensed by the first sensor andset an operational mode of the aerosol generating device as an ON modeor an OFF mode based on a result of the determining.

For example, the controller may be configured to set the operationalmode of the aerosol generating device as the OFF mode, when thecontroller determines that the cigarette insertion hole is closed. Whenthe operational mode of the aerosol generating device is the OFF mode,the controller may further be configured to electrically disconnect abattery from a heater and a vaporizer, block a user's input receivedthrough a button, and block a signal sensed by a second sensor, in orderto 1) prevent the performance of an unintentional operation of theaerosol generating device due to wrong pressing of the button and 2)prevent unnecessary power consumption while a user is not smoking.

Also, the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure3) may further include a cover capable of sliding movement, in additionto a button, which is a component for receiving a user's input accordingto manipulation of a user, and thus, an additional method of controllingthe aerosol generating device may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing examples in which a cigarette isinserted into an aerosol generating device.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of a cigarette.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device accordingto one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the aerosol generating device illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the aerosol generating device illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an operational state of the aerosolgenerating device illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the aerosol generating device illustrated inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a structure of an aerosol generating deviceaccording to one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of controlling anaerosol generating device, according to one or more exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another example of the method of controllingthe aerosol generating device, according to one or more exemplaryembodiments.

BEST MODE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generatingdevice includes: a case into which a cigarette is to be inserted; a capdetachably coupled to a top portion of the case; a cover configured toslide on a top surface of the cap so as to open or close a cigaretteinsertion hole; a first sensor configured to sense whether the cigaretteinsertion hole is open or closed; and a controller configured todetermine whether the cigarette insertion hole is open or closed basedon a signal sensed by the first sensor and set an operational mode ofthe aerosol generating device as an ON mode or an OFF mode based on aresult of the determining.

The aerosol generating device may further include a second sensorconfigured to sense whether or not the cigarette is inserted into thecase; a heater arranged in the case and configured to heat the cigaretteinserted into the case; a vaporizer configured to accommodate a liquidcomposition and detachably coupled to the case, and while being coupledto the case, configured to transmit aerosol generated by heating theliquid composition to the cigarette; a battery configured to supplypower to the controller, the heater, and the vaporizer; and a buttonconfigured to receive a user's input.

The controller may further be configured to set the operational mode ofthe aerosol generating device as the ON mode, in response to determiningthat the cigarette insertion hole is open, and when the operational modeof the aerosol generating device is the ON mode, the controller mayfurther be configured to electrically connect the battery with theheater and the vaporizer so that the battery supplies power to theheater and the vaporizer, activate the button to receive the user'sinput, and activate the second sensor to sense whether or not thecigarette is inserted into the case.

According to some exemplary embodiments, when the operational mode ofthe aerosol generating device is the ON mode, the controller may furtherbe configured to control power supply to the heater via the battery suchthat the heater is pre-heated to a predetermined temperature in responseto the user's input being received through the activated button.

According to other exemplary embodiments, when the operational mode ofthe aerosol generating device is the ON mode, the controller may furtherbe configured to determine whether or not the cigarette is inserted intothe case based on a signal sensed by the activated second sensor, and,in response to being determined that the cigarette is inserted into thecase, may be configured to control power supply to the heater via thebattery such that the heater is pre-heated to a predeterminedtemperature.

The controller may be configured to set the operational mode of theaerosol generating device as the OFF mode, in response to determiningthat the cigarette insertion hole is closed, and, when the operationalmode of the aerosol generating device is the OFF mode, the controllermay further be configured to electrically disconnect the battery fromthe heater and the vaporizer, block the user's input received throughthe button, and block a signal sensed by the second sensor.

In addition, when the operational mode of the aerosol generating deviceis the OFF mode, the controller may further be configured to activatefunctions related to booting of the aerosol generating device, and thefunctions related to booting may include at least one of a clockfunction, a real time clock (RTC) function, and an interrupt functionstanding by for the signal sensed by the first sensor.

The first sensor may include an ON/OFF switch configured to generate anON signal when the cover moves to open the cigarette insertion hole andgenerate an OFF signal when the cover moves to close the cigaretteinsertion hole. Also, the second sensor may include at least one of aHall sensor configured to sense a change in a magnetic field generatedfrom a metal material included in the cigarette, a mechanical switchconfigured to sense a physical change occurring when the cigarette isinserted, an infrared sensor configured to sense approaching of thecigarette, and an optical sensor configured to sense a pattern printedon a surface of the cigarette.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofcontrolling an aerosol generating device includes: determining whether acigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal sensed by asensor included in the aerosol generating device; and setting anoperational mode of the aerosol generating device as an ON mode or anOFF mode based on a result of the determining.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, acomputer-readable recording medium has recorded thereon one or moreprograms including instructions for executing the method describedabove.

Mode of Disclosure

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments shown only as examples will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.Descriptions will be given below for only specifying the exemplaryembodiments and will not limit or restrict the scope of claims of thedisclosure. Aspects which could be easily derived by one of ordinaryskill in the art from the detailed descriptions and exemplaryembodiments are interpreted as being included in the scope of claims.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, do not necessarilyindicate all of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components described in the specification and may preclude someof the stated features, the integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components. Also, the terms do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Also, it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another.

The terms used in the disclosure are selected from among common termsthat are currently widely used in consideration of their function in thedisclosure. However, the terms may be different according to anintention of one of ordinary skill in the art, a precedent, or theadvent of new technology. Also, in particular cases, the terms arediscretionally selected by the applicant of the disclosure, and themeaning of those terms will be described in detail in the correspondingpart of the detailed description. Therefore, the terms used in thedisclosure are not merely designations of the terms, but the terms aredefined based on the meaning of the terms and content throughout thedisclosure.

Throughout the specification, an “aerosol generating device” may referto an aerosol generating device for generating aerosol by using anaerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol may be directly inhaledby the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user.

The present exemplary embodiments relate to an aerosol generating deviceand a method of controlling the same. Aspects well known to one ofordinary skill in the art will not be described in detail.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing examples in which a cigarette isinserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device 10000 includesa battery 11000, a controller 12000, a heater 13000, and a vaporizer14000. Also, a cigarette 20000 may be inserted into an inner space ofthe aerosol generating device 10000.

FIGS. 1 and 2 only illustrate components of the aerosol generatingdevice 10000, which are related to the present exemplary embodiment.Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artrelated to the present exemplary embodiment that other general-purposecomponents may be further included in the aerosol generating device10000, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1.

Also, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the aerosol generating device 10000including the heater 13000. However, according to necessity, the heater13000 may be omitted.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the battery 11000, the controller 12000, thevaporizer 14000, and the heater 13000 are arranged in series. Also, FIG.2 illustrates that the vaporizer 14000 and the heater 13000 are arrangedin parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generatingdevice 10000 is not limited to the structures illustrated in FIG. 1 orFIG. 2. In other words, according to the design of the aerosolgenerating device 10000, the battery 11000, the controller 12000, thevaporizer 14000, and the heater 13000 may be differently arranged.

When the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device10000, the aerosol generating device 10000 may operate the vaporizer14000 to generate aerosol from the vaporizer 14000. The aerosolgenerated by the vaporizer 14000 is delivered to the user by passingthrough the cigarette 20000. The vaporizer 14000 will be described inmore detail later.

The battery 11000 may supply power to be used for the aerosol generatingdevice 10000 to operate. For example, the battery 11000 may supply powerto heat the heater 13000 or the vaporizer 14000 and may supply power foroperating the controller 12000. Also, the battery 11000 may supply powerfor operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in theaerosol generating device 10000.

The controller 12000 may generally control operations of the aerosolgenerating device 10000. In detail, the controller 12000 may control notonly operations of the battery 11000, the heater 13000, and thevaporizer 14000, but also operations of other components included in theaerosol generating device 10000. Also, the controller 12000 may check astate of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 10000to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device 10000 is ableto operate.

The controller 12000 may include at least one processor. A processor canbe implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or can beimplemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and amemory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Itwill be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that theprocessor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The heater 13000 may be heated by the power supplied from the battery11000. For example, when the cigarette 20000 is inserted into theaerosol generating device 10000, the heater 13000 may be located outsidethe cigarette 20000. Thus, the heated heater 13000 may increase atemperature of an aerosol generating material in the cigarette 20000.

The heater 13000 may include an electro-resistive heater. For example,the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive track, and theheater 13000 may be heated when currents flow through the electricallyconductive track. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to theexample described above and may include all heaters which may be heatedto a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-setin the aerosol generating device 10000 or may be set as a temperaturedesired by a user.

As another example, the heater 13000 may include an induction heater. Indetail, the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive coil forheating a cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarettemay include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the heater 13000 is positioned outside thecigarette 20000, but the position of the heater 13000 is not limitedthereto. For example, the heater 13000 may include a tube-type heatingelement, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, ora rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or the outside ofthe cigarette 20000, according to the shape of the heating element.

Also, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include a plurality ofheaters 13000. Here, the plurality of heaters 13000 may be inserted intothe cigarette 20000 or may be arranged outside the cigarette 20000.Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13000 may be inserted into thecigarette 20000, and the others may be arranged outside the cigarette20000. In addition, the shape of the heater 13000 is not limited to theshapes illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and may include various shapes.

The vaporizer 14000 may generate aerosol by heating a liquid compositionand the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette 20000 to bedelivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated via thevaporizer 14000 may move along an air flow passage of the aerosolgenerating device 10000 and the air flow passage may be configured suchthat the aerosol generated via the vaporizer 14000 passes through thecigarette 20000 to be delivered to the user.

For example, the vaporizer 14000 may include a liquid storage, a liquiddelivery element, and a heating element, but it is not limited thereto.For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery element, and theheating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 10000as independent modules.

The liquid storage may store a liquid composition. For example, theliquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containingmaterial having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquidincluding a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be formed to bedetachable from the vaporizer 14000 or may be formed integrally with thevaporizer 14000.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent,ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavorings, or a vitamin mixture. Thespices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and variousfruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. The flavoringsmay include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastesto a user. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitaminA, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto.Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming substance,such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of theliquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid deliveryelement may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber,or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid compositiondelivered by the liquid delivery element. For example, the heatingelement may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramicheater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, theheating element may include a conductive filament such as nichrome wireand may be positioned as being wound around the liquid delivery element.The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transferheat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element,thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosol may begenerated.

For example, the vaporizer 14000 may be referred to as a cartomizer oran atomizer, but it is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device 10000 may further include general-purposecomponents in addition to the battery 11000, the controller 12000, andthe heater 13000. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 mayinclude a display capable of outputting visual information and/or amotor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generatingdevice 10000 may include at least one sensor (a puff detecting sensor, atemperature detecting sensor, a cigarette insertion detecting sensor,etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device 10000 may be formed as astructure where, even when the cigarette 20000 is inserted into theaerosol generating device 10000, external air may be introduced orinternal air may be discharged.

Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device10000 and an additional cradle may form together a system. For example,the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosolgenerating device 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 may be heatedwhen the cradle and the aerosol generating device 10000 are coupled toeach other.

The cigarette 20000 may be similar as a general combustive cigarette.For example, the cigarette 20000 may be divided into a first portionincluding an aerosol generating material and a second portion includinga filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 20000may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosolgenerating material made in the form of granules or capsules may beinserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generatingdevice 10000, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside.Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted intothe aerosol generating device 10000. Otherwise, a portion of the firstportion and a portion of the second portion may be inserted into theaerosol generating device 10000. The user may puff aerosol while holdingthe second portion by the mouth of the user. In this case, the aerosolis generated by the external air passing through the first portion, andthe generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is deliveredto the user's mouth.

For example, the external air may flow into at least one air passageformed in the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, opening andclosing of the air passage and/or a size of the air passage may beadjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of smoke and a smokingsatisfaction may be adjusted by the user. As another example, theexternal air may flow into the cigarette 20000 through at least one holeformed in a surface of the cigarette 20000.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 20000 will be described withreference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cigarette 20000 may include a tobacco rod 21000and a filter rod 22000. The first portion described above with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2 may include the tobacco rod 21000, and the secondportion may include the filter rod 22000.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the filter rod 22000 includes a single segment.However, the filter rod 22000 is not limited thereto. In other words,the filter rod 22000 may include a plurality of segments. For example,the filter rod 22000 may include a first segment configured to cool anaerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain componentincluded in the aerosol. Also, as necessary, the filter rod 22000 mayfurther include at least one segment configured to perform otherfunctions.

The cigarette 2000 may be packaged using at least one wrapper 24000. Thewrapper 24000 may have at least one hole through which external air maybe introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, thecigarette 20000 may be packaged using one wrapper 24000. As anotherexample, the cigarette 20000 may be doubly packaged using at least twowrappers 24000. For example, the tobacco rod 21000 may be packaged usinga first wrapper, and the filter rod 22000 may be packaged using a secondwrapper. Also, the tobacco rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000, which arerespectively packaged using separate wrappers, may be coupled to eachother, and the entire cigarette 20000 may be packaged using a thirdwrapper. When each of the tobacco rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged using aseparate wrapper. Also, the entire cigarette 20000 including theplurality of segments, which are respectively packaged using theseparate wrappers may be combined and re-packaged together using anotherwrapper.

The tobacco rod 21000 may include an aerosol generating material. Forexample, the aerosol generating material may include at least one ofglycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleylalcohol, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod 21000 mayinclude other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/ororganic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21000 may include a flavored liquid,such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod21000.

The tobacco rod 21000 may be manufactured in various forms. For example,the tobacco rod 21000 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, thetobacco rod 21000 may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed oftiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod 21000 may besurrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, theheat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foilsuch as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive materialsurrounding the tobacco rod 21000 may uniformly distribute heattransmitted to the tobacco rod 21000, and thus, the heat conductivityapplied to the tobacco rod may be increased and taste of the tobacco maybe improved. Also, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobaccorod 21000 may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater.Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21000may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heatconductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000.

The filter rod 22000 may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes ofthe filter rod 22000 are not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollowinside. Also, the filter rod 22000 may include a recess-type rod. Whenthe filter rod 22000 includes a plurality of segments, at least one ofthe plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The filter rod 22000 may be formed to generate flavors. For example, aflavoring liquid may be injected onto the filter rod 22000, or anadditional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into thefilter rod 22000.

Also, the filter rod 22000 may include at least one capsule 23000. Here,the capsule 23000 may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, thecapsule 23000 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing aflavoring material is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule23000 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limitedthereto.

When the filter rod 22000 includes a segment configured to cool theaerosol, the cooling segment may include a polymer material or abiodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment mayinclude pure polylactic acid alone, but the material for forming thecooling segment is not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments,the cooling segment may include a cellulose acetate filter having aplurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to theabove-described example and any other cooling segment that is capable ofcooling the aerosol may be used.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, the cigarette 20000 according to anexemplary embodiment may further include a front-end filter. Thefront-end filter may be located on a side of the tobacco rod 21000,which is the side not facing the filter rod 22000. The front-end filtermay prevent the tobacco rod 21000 from being detached outwards andprevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generatingdevice 10000 (FIGS. 1 and 2) from the tobacco rod 21000, during smoking.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device accordingto an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of the aerosolgenerating device illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a top view of theaerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a perspectiveview showing an operational state of the aerosol generating deviceillustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a top view of the aerosol generatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 7. An aerosol generating device 5 of FIGS. 4through 8 may be an example of the aerosol generating device 10000 ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

The aerosol generating device 5 according to the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8 may include a case 20 into which acigarette 7 may be inserted. The cigarette 7 may correspond to thecigarette 20000 of FIGS. 1 through 3. Thus, similar descriptions will berepeated herein.

A cap 10 is coupled to an upper portion of the case 20. The cap 10 isdetachably coupled to the case 20. A cover 30 is mounted on an uppersurface of the cap 10 to be capable of performing sliding movement.However, a structure of the aerosol generating device 5 illustrated inFIGS. 4 through 8 is an example, and the disclosure is not limitedthereto. For example, the case 20 and the cap 10 may be coupled to eachother as an integral structure and may not be separable from each other.

A rail 16 extending in a sliding direction of the cover 30 and acigarette insertion hole 18 into which the cigarette 7 is inserted areformed on the upper surface of the cap 10. The rail 16 may be exposed tothe outside to connect the inside and the outside of the cap 10.

The cigarette insertion hole 18 is exposed to the outside when the cover30 moves to a location illustrated in FIG. 8 along the rail 16 formed onthe upper surface of the cap 10. Accordingly, the cigarette 7 may beinserted into the cigarette insertion hole 18.

Manners in which the cover 30 is coupled to the cap 10 are not limitedto the structure of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4through 8. For example, the cover 30 may be coupled to the cap 10 via ahinge to open or close the cigarette insertion hole 18.

Various preparative operations may be performed when the cigaretteinsertion hole 18 opens as the cover 30 slides on the upper surface ofthe cap 10. For example, when the cigarette insertion hole 18 is openedas the cover 30 slides, an operational mode of the aerosol generatingdevice 5 may be changed, internal heaters may be preliminarily heated,or a user may be recognized. Hereinafter, a method of controlling theaerosol generating device 5 in relation to opening the cigaretteinsertion hole 18 by the cover 30 sliding on the upper surface of thecap 10 is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 through 11.

A button 28 to be manipulated by a user and a light-emitting diode (LED)29, which is a means for displaying an inner operational state of theaerosol generating device 5 by emitting light corresponding to one ofpredetermined various colors, are mounted outside the case 20 of theaerosol generating device 5.

A controller mounted in the aerosol generating device 5 may control theLED 29 to emit light to display “a normal operational state” based onconditions, such as normal operation of a heater and/or a sufficientremaining battery capacity.

When a user manipulates the button 28 by pressing the button 28, the LED29 emits light, and thus, the user may identify the remaining batterycapacity from an emission color of the LED 29. For example, when the LED29 emits green light, it may denote that the charged electricity of thebattery is sufficient. When the LED 29 emits red light, it may denotethat the charged electricity of the battery is insufficient.

Predetermined different operations may be performed according to alength of time for which the user presses the button 28. For example,when the user presses the button 28 for a predetermined first pressingtime, a reset (initialization of settings) operation of the aerosolgenerating device 5 may be performed. Also, when the user presses thebutton 28 for a predetermined second pressing time, a preliminaryheating operation of the aerosol generating device 5 may be performed.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a structure of an aerosol generating deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 5 may further includea vaporizer 40, a heater 52, a battery 60, a first sensor 61, a secondsensor 62, and a controller 70 in addition to the cap 10, the case 20,the button 28, and the cover 30 illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8.

FIG. 9 only illustrates some components of the aerosol generating device5, which will be explained in connection with the present exemplaryembodiment. Thus, it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in theart that other general-purpose components may further be included in theaerosol generating device 5 in addition to the components illustrated inFIG. 9. For example, the aerosol generating device 5 may further includea memory (not shown).

A memory may be hardware storing various data processed in the aerosolgenerating device 5. For example, the memory may store data that isprocessed or is to be processed in the aerosol generating device 5.Also, the memory may store applications, drivers, etc. to be driven bythe aerosol generating device 5.

The memory includes random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM(DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), an electricallyerasable programmable (EEPROM), CD-ROM, a blue-ray or other optical discstorages, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flashmemory, and may further include other external storage devices which mayaccess the aerosol generating device 5.

The first sensor 61 may include a sensor configured to sense whether thecigarette insertion hole 18 is open or closed. For example, the firstsensor 61 may include an on/off switch configured to generate an ONsignal when the cover 30 moves to open the cigarette insertion hole 18and an OFF signal when the cover 30 moves to close the cigaretteinsertion hole 18. However, it is not limited thereto, and the firstsensor 61 may include any other appropriate sensor configured to sensesliding movement of the cover 30.

The second sensor 62 may include a sensor configured to sense whether ornot the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20. For example, thesecond sensor 62 may include at least one of a Hall sensor configured tosense a change in a magnetic field generated from a metal materialincluded in the cigarette 7, a mechanical switch configured to sense aphysical change occurring when the cigarette 7 is inserted, an infraredsensor configured to sense the cigarette 7 approaching, and an opticalsensor configured to sense a pattern printed on a surface of thecigarette 7. However, the second sensor 62 is not limited to thedescribed examples, and may include any other appropriate sensorconfigured to sense whether or not the cigarette 7 is inserted into thecase 20.

FIG. 9 illustrates that the first sensor 61 is arranged below the cover30 and the second sensor 62 is arranged below the heater 52 in the case20. However, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 may bearranged differently in the case 20.

The heater 52 may be arranged in the case 20 and configured to heat thecigarette 7 inserted into the case 20. The heater 52 may correspond to aheater 13000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The heater 52 may be arranged at a topportion of a supporting pipe in the case 20 and may be arranged tosurround at least a portion of a side surface of the cigarette 7inserted into the case 20. The heater 52 may be in the form of a filmincluding an electric resistive pattern for generating heat whenelectricity is applied from the outside. The heater 52 may include, forexample, a substrate including a material, such as polyimide, etc., andan electric resistive pattern arranged along a surface of the substrate.

The heater 52 may be coiled in a cylindrical shape or a semi-cylindricalshape corresponding to a shape of a heat transmission pipe and arrangedto surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the heattransmission pipe. The terms “cylindrical shape” and “semi-cylindricalshape” do not necessarily refer to a case in which the heater 52 has acircular or semi-circular cross-sectional shape, and may refer to a casein which the heater 52 has a cross-sectional shape of a circular arcwhich is similar to a circle or a semi-circle.

The vaporizer 40 may accommodate a liquid composition and may bedetachably coupled to the case 20. While being coupled to the case 20,the vaporizer 40 may transmit, to the cigarette 7, the aerosol generatedby heating the liquid composition. The vaporizer 40 may correspond tothe vaporizer 14000 of FIGS. 1 and 2, so similar descriptions will notbe repeated.

The battery 60 may supply power to be used for an operation of theaerosol generating device 5. For example, the battery 60 may supplypower to the controller 70, the heater 52, and the vaporizer 40. Also,the battery 60 may supply power required for operations of a display, asensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol generating device 5. Thebattery 60 may include a LiFePO4 battery, but is not limited to thedescribed example. For example, the battery 60 may include a LiCoO2battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc. The battery 60 may correspondto the battery 11000 of FIGS. 1 and 2, so similar descriptions will notbe repeated.

The controller 70 may include at least one processor. The processor mayinclude an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may include acombination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing aprogram executable by the microprocessor. Also, it will be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may include othertypes of hardware. For example, the processor may include an MCU, but isnot limited thereto. The controller 70 may correspond to the controller12000 of FIGS. 1 and 2, so similar descriptions will not be repeated.

The controller 70 may be implemented using, for example, a rigid circuitsubstrate or a flexible circuit substrate, or a plurality of circuitsubstrates. The controller 70 may include a semiconductor chip mountedon a circuit substrate or executable software equipped in thesemiconductor chip. For example, the controller 70 may be divided intotwo or more circuit substrates or may be implemented by a single circuitsubstrate including a portion made using a flexible material.

The controller 70 may control overall operations of the aerosolgenerating device 5. For example, the controller 70 may controloperations of the vaporizer 40, the heater 52, and the battery 60 andmay control operations of other components included in the aerosolgenerating device 5. The controller 70 may control power supplied by thebattery 60, heating elements included in the vaporizer 40, and atemperature of the heater 52. The controller 70 may identify a state ofeach component of the aerosol generating device 5 and may determinewhether or not the aerosol generating device 5 is in an operable state.

In detail, the controller 70 may determine whether the cigaretteinsertion hole 18 is open or closed based on a signal sensed by thefirst sensor 61, and may set an operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 5 as an ON mode or an OFF mode based on a result ofthe determination.

For example, when the controller 70 determines that the cigaretteinsertion hole 18 is open, the controller 70 may set the operationalmode of the aerosol generating device 5 as the ON mode. When theoperational mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is the ON mode, thecontroller 70 may electrically connect the battery 60 to the heater 52and the vaporizer 40 so that the battery 60 may supply power to theheater 52 and the vaporizer 40, may activate the button 28 to receive auser's input, and may activate the second sensor 62 to sense whether ornot the cigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20.

Also, when the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 5 isthe ON mode, the controller 70 may activate a communication function ofthe aerosol generating device 5, such as a Bluetooth function, and mayalso activate various functions required for operations of the aerosolgenerating device 5.

When the battery 60 is electrically connected to the heater 52 and thevaporizer 40, the controller 70 may control the battery 60 to supplypower to at least one of the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40. When thebutton 28 or the second sensor 62 is activated, a signal input from thebutton 28 or the second sensor 62 may not not blocked. For example, whenthe button 28 or the second sensor 62 is activated, an interruptfunction for standing by for a signal input from the button 28 or thesecond sensor 62 may be activated.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 5 is the ON mode, the controller 70 may control powersupply to the heater 52 via the battery 60 such that the heater 52 ispre-heated to a predetermined temperature, when a user's input isreceived via the activated button 28.

Also, when the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 5 isthe ON mode, the controller 70 may determine whether or not thecigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20 based on a signal sensed by theactivated second sensor 62. When it is determined that the cigarette 7is inserted into the case 20, the controller 70 may control power supplyto the heater 52 via the battery 60 such that the heater 52 ispre-heated to a predetermined temperature.

When the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is the ONmode, it denotes that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open, and thusthe user is expected to insert the cigarette 7 into the cigaretteinsertion hole 18 and smoke. In response to the user's input beingreceived via the activated button 28 or the signal sensed by the secondsensor 62 being received while the operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 5 is the ON mode, the controller 70 may perform apreliminary heating operation of the heater 52 included in the aerosolgenerating device 5.

The disclosure is not limited to the example described above. Accordingto another exemplary embodiment, when the operational mode of theaerosol generating device 5 is set as the ON mode (that is, when it isdetermined that the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open), the controller70 may perform the preliminary heating operation of the heater 52without waiting for a user's input via the activated button 28 or asignal sensed by the activated second sensor 62. Because the controller70 does not wait for the user's input via the button 28 or the signalsensed by the second sensor 62 but performs the preliminary heatingoperation of the heater 52 as soon as it is senses that the cigaretteinsertion hole 18 is open, a stand-by time of the user before smokingusing the aerosol generating device 5 may be minimized.

When the controller 70 determines that the cigarette insertion hole 18is closed, the controller 70 may set the operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 5 as an OFF mode. When the operational mode of theaerosol generating device 5 is the OFF mode, the controller 70 mayelectrically disconnect the battery 60 from the heater 52 and thevaporizer 40, may block a user's input that is input via the button 28,and may block a signal sensed by the second sensor 62.

When the battery 60 is electrically disconnected from the heater 52 andthe vaporizer 40, the user's input that is input via the button 28 isblocked, and the signal sensed by the second sensor 62 is blocked. As aresult, unintended operations of the aerosol generating device 5, whichmay occur when the button 28 is wrongly pressed, may be prevented, andunnecessary power consumption may be prevented while a user is notsmoking.

Also, when the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 5 isthe OFF mode, the controller 70 may inactivate a communication functionof the aerosol generating device 5, such as a Bluetooth function, andmay inactivate other functions which are not required when a user is notsmoking by using the aerosol generating device 5.

Even when the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 5 is theOFF mode, functions related to booting of the aerosol generating device5 may be activated. The functions related to booting may include atleast one of a clock function, a real time clock (RTC) function, and aninterrupt function for standing by for a signal sensed by the firstsensor 61. Even when the operational mode of the aerosol generatingdevice 5 is the OFF mode, the functions related to booting of theaerosol generating device 5 are activated, and thus, when the userintends to smoke, the aerosol generating device 5 may be smoothlybooted, while unnecessary power consumption when the user is not smokingmay be minimized.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of controlling anaerosol

generating device according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring toFIG. 10, the method of controlling the aerosol generating device mayinclude operations processed in a time-series manner by the aerosolgenerating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 illustratedin FIGS. 1 through 9. Thus, even though certain descriptions are omittedhereinafter, it may be understood that the aspects described in relationto the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device5 of FIGS. 1 through 9 may be applied to the method of controlling theaerosol generating device in FIG. 10.

In operation 1010, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may determine whether the cigarette insertion hole18 is open or closed based on a signal sensed by the first sensor 61configured to sense whether the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open orclosed.

In operation 1020, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may set an operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 10000 or 5 as an ON mode or an OFF mode based on aresult of the determination. Hereinafter, the method of controlling theaerosol generating device is described in more detail with reference toFIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of another example of the method of controllingthe aerosol generating device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the method of controlling the aerosol generatingdevice may include operations processed in a time-series manner by theaerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9. Thus, even though certain descriptionsare omitted hereinafter, it may be understood that the aspects describedin relation to the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 of FIGS. 1 through 9 may be applied to the method ofcontrolling the aerosol generating device in FIG. 11.

In operation 1110, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may determine whether the cigarette insertion hole18 is open or closed based on a signal sensed by the first sensor 61configured to sense whether the cigarette insertion hole 18 is open orclosed.

In operation 1120, when the aerosol generating device 10000 or theaerosol generating device 5 determines that the cigarette insertion hole18 is open based on a result of the determination, the aerosolgenerating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 may performoperation 1130, and when the aerosol generating device 10000 or theaerosol generating device 5 determines that the cigarette insertion hole18 is closed, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may perform operation 1135.

In operation 1130, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may set an operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 as an ONmode. When the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 10000or the aerosol generating device 5 is set as the ON mode, the battery 60may be electrically connected with the heater 52 and the vaporizer 40 sothat the battery 60 may supply power to the heater 52 and the vaporizer40. Also, the button 28 may be activated to receive a user's input, andthe second sensor 62 may be activated to sense whether or not thecigarette 7 is inserted into the case 20.

When the aerosol generating device 10000 or 5 receives a user's inputvia the button 28 or a signal sensed by the second sensor 62 while theoperational mode of the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 is set as the ON mode, the aerosol generating device10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 may perform operation 1140. Inoperation 1140, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may control power supply to the heater 52 via thebattery 60 such that the heater 52 is pre-heated to a predeterminedtemperature.

Meanwhile, in operation 1135, the aerosol generating device 10000 or theaerosol generating device 5 may set the operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 as an OFFmode. When the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 10000or the aerosol generating device 5 is set as the OFF mode, the battery60 may be electrically disconnected from the heater 52 and the vaporizer40. As such, a user's input that is input via the button 28 may beblocked, and a signal sensed by the second sensor 62 may be blocked.

When the operational mode of the aerosol generating device 10000 or theaerosol generating device 5 is set as the OFF mode, even when the user'sinput is received via the button 28 or the signal is sensed by thesecond sensor 62, the aerosol generating device 10000 or the aerosolgenerating device 5 may block the user's input received via the button28 or the signal sensed by the second sensor 62, as shown in operation1145. Accordingly, execution of unintended operations of the aerosolgenerating device 10000 or the aerosol generating device 5 may beprevented when the button 28 is wrongly pressed, and unnecessary powerconsumption may be prevented when the user is not smoking.

The method of controlling the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 10 and11 may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium havingrecorded thereon at least one program including instructions forexecuting the method. Examples of the computer-readable recording mediummay include magnetic media, such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and amagnetic tape, optical media, such as CD-ROM, DVD, etc., magneto-opticalmedia, such as a floptical disk, etc., and hardware devices, such asROM, RAM, and flash memories, configured to store and execute programcommands. Examples of the program instructions include high-levellanguage code that may be executed by a computer using an interpreter aswell as machine language code made by a compiler.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that variouschanges in form and details may be made in the exemplary embodimentswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should be consideredin a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Thescope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description ofthe disclosure but by the appended claims, and all differences withinthe scope will be construed as being included in the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a caseinto which a cigarette is to be inserted; a cap detachably coupled to atop portion of the case; a cover configured to slide on a top surface ofthe cap, thereby opening or closing a cigarette insertion hole; a firstsensor configured to sense whether the cigarette insertion hole is openor closed; and a controller configured to determine whether thecigarette insertion hole is open or closed based on a signal sensed bythe first sensor and set an operational mode of the aerosol generatingdevice as an ON mode or an OFF mode based on a result of thedetermining.
 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second sensor configured to sense whether or not thecigarette is inserted into the case; a heater arranged in the case andconfigured to heat the cigarette inserted into the case; a vaporizerdetachably coupled to the case and configured to accommodate a liquidcomposition and, while being coupled to the case, transmit aerosol,which is generated by heating the liquid composition, to the cigarette;a battery configured to supply power to the controller, the heater, andthe vaporizer; and a button configured to receive a user's inputaccording to manipulation of a user.
 3. The aerosol generating device ofclaim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: set theoperational mode of the aerosol generating device as the ON mode, inresponse to determining that the cigarette insertion hole is open, andwhen the operational mode of the aerosol generating device is the ONmode, electrically connect the battery to the heater and the vaporizerso that the battery supplies power to the heater and the vaporizer,activate the button to receive the user's input, and activate the secondsensor to sense whether or not the cigarette is inserted into the case.4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein, when theoperational mode of the aerosol generating device is the ON mode, thecontroller is further configured to control power supply to the heatervia the battery such that the heater is pre-heated to a predeterminedtemperature when the user's input is received through the activatedbutton.
 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein, when theoperational mode of the aerosol generating device is the ON mode, thecontroller is further configured to determine whether or not thecigarette is inserted into the case based on a signal sensed by theactivated second sensor, and, in response to determining that thecigarette is inserted into the case, control power supply to the heatervia the battery such that the heater is pre-heated to a predeterminedtemperature.
 6. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein thecontroller is configured to: set the operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device as the OFF mode, in response to determining that thecigarette insertion hole is closed, and when the operational mode of theaerosol generating device is the OFF mode, electrically disconnect thebattery from the heater and the vaporizer, block the user's inputreceived through the button, and block a signal sensed by the secondsensor.
 7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein, when theoperational mode of the aerosol generating device is the OFF mode, thecontroller is further configured to activate functions related tobooting of the aerosol generating device, and the functions related tobooting comprise at least one of a clock function, a real time clock(RTC) function, and an interrupt function for standing by for the signalsensed by the first sensor.
 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1,wherein the first sensor comprises an ON/OFF switch configured togenerate an ON signal when the cover moves to open the cigaretteinsertion hole and generate an OFF signal when the cover moves to closethe cigarette insertion hole.
 9. The aerosol generating device of claim2, wherein the second sensor comprises at least one of a Hall sensorconfigured to sense a change in a magnetic field generated from a metalmaterial included in the cigarette, a mechanical switch configured tosense a physical change occurring when the cigarette is inserted, aninfrared sensor configured to sense approaching of the cigarette, and anoptical sensor configured to sense a pattern printed on a surface of thecigarette.
 10. A method of controlling an aerosol generating device, themethod comprising: determining whether a cigarette insertion hole isopen or closed based on a signal sensed by a sensor of the aerosolgenerating device; and setting an operational mode of the aerosolgenerating device as an ON mode or an OFF mode based on a result of thedetermining.
 11. A computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon one or more programs comprising instructions for executing themethod of claim 10.